Planning News

• Should Your City Ban Fluoride? Portland Just Did, Again May 23, 2013
  Although a growing list of communities (of which Portland is the largest) have banned the addition of fluoride to tap water, such places are doing so against the recommendations of the medical establishment. What's driving the backlash? […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• A Modest Proposal for Pedestrian-Cyclist Detente May 23, 2013
  The impending launch of bike-share is sure to escalate the simmering tensions between New York's growing legion of cyclists and its hordes of pedestrians. L.V. Anderson and Aisha Harris propose a 10-point treaty for pedestrian-cyclist armistice. […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• Paris Develops for the 21st Century, Along its Periphery May 23, 2013
  After more than a decade of planning, the ambitious Clichy Batignolles project is rising in northwest Paris. The development is an attempt to stay competitive in the global marketplace, without compromising the city's world-renowned charms. […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• Cities May Be Back, But Don't Forget About the Burbs May 22, 2013
  A review of June Williamson's new book reminds us that the need to retrofit suburbia is as urgent as ever, despite the ascendance of cities. Amanda Kolson Hurley explores the top five reasons 'why the suburbs are shaping up as the new frontier.' […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• Is Congestion Pricing the Solution to San Francisco’s Traffic Woes? May 22, 2013
  A new report paints a grim picture of San Francisco’s traffic future. Without radical reductions in auto usage, the city’s downtown will be ‘mired in gridlock.’ Is a controversial congestion pricing scheme the solution? […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• Why Is it Hard to Find Places to Ride Out a Tornado in Oklahoma? May 22, 2013
  You might be surprised to learn that in the area famously known as 'Tornado Alley', underground shelters and safe rooms are relatively rare. Several reasons, from physical to financial to cultural constraints, conspire to leave residents vulnerable. […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• Will New Mayor Seize the Opportunity to Build a 'Truly Urban' L.A.? May 22, 2013
  The new mayor of Los Angeles is young, charismatic, and a champion of urbanism and smart growth. He should start using all these assets immediately to transform Los Angeles into the vibrant, transit-oriented city it can become, says Bill Fulton. […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• New Jersey Drops VMT Fee for EV Fee May 22, 2013
  NJ legislation highlights the need to ensure that those who drive EVs pay their fair share of taxes to keep roads in good repair. A bill that would have charged a mileage fee for all vehicles was scrapped for a $50 flat registration fee for EVs. […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• Envisioning a LEED-like Ratings System for Infrastructure May 22, 2013
  Bob Graves discusses the concept behind Envision, "a holistic framework for evaluating and rating the community, environmental, and economic benefits of all types and sizes of infrastructure projects." […]
  Jonathan Nettler
• The Ups and Downs of the Bike Sharing Economy May 22, 2013
  What makes Capital Bikeshare, the largest such program in the U.S. with nearly 2000 bikes, a success? What are its shortcomings? Mohana Ravindranath investigates. […]
  Jonathan Nettler